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34 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Joy

What does the Bible say about joy?

The Bible says real joy comes from God. In his presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), so Christians can rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), even in trials (James 1:2-4).

  1. The joy of the Lord is your strength
  2. Rejoice in the Lord always
  3. Joy in hard times

Bible verses about joy: The joy of the Lord is your strength

Joy begins with God himself.

6 verses

Nehemiah 8:10

KJV
King James Version

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Nehemiah 8:10

Psalms 16:11

KJV
King James Version

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

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Romans 15:13

KJV
King James Version

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 15:13

Zephaniah 3:17

KJV
King James Version

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”

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Psalms 5:11

KJV
King James Version

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.

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1 Chronicles 16:27

KJV
King James Version

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling.

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Bible verses about joy: Rejoice in the Lord always

Joy is something Scripture asks us to choose, every day.

7 verses

Psalms 118:24

KJV
King James Version

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 118:24

Habakkuk 3:17-18

KJV
King James Version

17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!

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Isaiah 61:10

KJV
King James Version

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

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Psalms 32:11

KJV
King James Version

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

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Romans 12:12

KJV
King James Version

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

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Bible verses about joy: Joy in hard times

Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

9 verses

James 1:2-4

KJV
King James Version

2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

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Psalms 30:5

KJV
King James Version

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.

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1 Peter 1:8-9

KJV
King James Version

8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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Romans 5:3-5

KJV
King James Version

3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

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1 Peter 4:13

KJV
King James Version

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

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Psalms 126:5-6

KJV
King James Version

5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

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John 16:22

KJV
King James Version

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

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Hebrews 12:2

KJV
King James Version

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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Matthew 5:11-12

KJV
King James Version

11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

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Bible verses about joy: Joy from Jesus and the Holy Spirit

Jesus wants his joy to be in us, full.

6 verses

John 15:11

KJV
King James Version

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

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John 16:24

KJV
King James Version

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

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Galatians 5:22-23

KJV
King James Version

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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Romans 14:17

KJV
King James Version

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

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Acts 13:52

KJV
King James Version

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

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Luke 2:10-11

KJV
King James Version

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

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Bible verses about joy: A joyful heart

A merry heart does good like a medicine.

6 verses

Proverbs 17:22

KJV
King James Version

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

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Proverbs 15:13

KJV
King James Version

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.

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Psalms 4:7

KJV
King James Version

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound.

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Psalms 94:19

KJV
King James Version

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.

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Luke 15:7

KJV
King James Version

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.

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Isaiah 55:12

KJV
King James Version

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

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Short Bible verses about joy

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

7 verses

  • “Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.”

    1 Chronicles 16:27 KJV · 14 words

    Listen

  • “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

    Philippians 4:4 KJV · 10 words

    Listen

  • “Rejoice evermore.”

    1 Thessalonians 5:16 KJV · 2 words

    Listen

  • “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”

    Romans 12:12 KJV · 10 words

    Listen

  • “And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.”

    Acts 13:52 KJV · 12 words

    Listen

  • “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

    Proverbs 17:22 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”

    Psalms 94:19 KJV · 13 words

    Listen

What the first Christians said about joy

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“put on cheerfulness, which always is agreeable and acceptable to God, and rejoice in it.”

HermasThe Shepherd
Read and listen to Hermas

“They always exult in the Lord, and rejoice and are glad in their God”

CyprianTreatises
Read and listen to Cyprian

The Greek and Hebrew words for joy

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about joy in the Bible

What does the Bible say about joy?

Joy comes from God: in his presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), so believers are told to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).

Listen: Psalms 16:11 · Nehemiah 8:10 · Galatians 5:22-23 · Philippians 4:4

What is the difference between joy and happiness in the Bible?

Happiness often depends on what happens to us. Biblical joy rests on God himself, so it can stay even in trouble. Paul told believers to rejoice in the Lord always while he was in prison (Philippians 4:4), and James says to count trials as joy (James 1:2-4).

Listen: Philippians 4:4 · James 1:2-4

What does 'joy comes in the morning' mean?

It comes from Psalm 30:5: weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Sorrow is real, but it does not have the last word; God's favor brings a new day of gladness.

Listen: Psalms 30:5

Where does the Bible say the joy of the Lord is your strength?

Nehemiah 8:10. When the people wept as God's law was read to them, Nehemiah told them not to grieve, because the joy of the Lord was their strength.

Listen: Nehemiah 8:10

How can I have joy in hard times?

Scripture says trials test our faith and grow patience, so we can count them as joy (James 1:2-4). The God of hope fills those who trust him with joy and peace (Romans 15:13), and those who sow in tears will reap in joy (Psalm 126:5-6).

Listen: James 1:2-4 · Romans 15:13 · Psalms 126:5-6

Is joy a fruit of the Spirit?

Yes. Joy is named second, right after love, in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul also says the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Listen: Galatians 5:22-23 · Romans 14:17